Making Democracy Work

Local Program 2012-2013

The Local Program Positions for the LWV Schenectady County.

Justice and the Law

Support improvements to the local criminal justice system by:

Strengthening the Probation Department and rehabilitation programs in the County.

Facilitating the implementation of alternative courts (problem solving courts) in Schenectady County and promoting collaborations to support them.

Monitoring the juvenile justice system and promoting community bases rehabilitation programs.

Local Government

Monitor activities of county governmental units, including town boards, the Schenectady City Council and the Schenectady County Legislature.

Monitor activities of other quasi-governmental units, public authorities and agencies such as Metroplex, IDAs and Planning Boards.

Monitor activities of elected public Boards of Education.

Support standards of high professional qualifications and political nonpartisanship in manager form of government.

Woman's Issues/Social Policy

Support of measures which hold marriage to be an economic partnership with a presumption of equality between the spouses.

Opposition to measures that contain a presumption of joint custody of the children.

Support for equity in employment laws and practices and equal pay for jobs of comparable worth.

Support of measures to reduce the incidence and effects of domestic violence

Evaluate opportunities for inter-municipal cooperation and examine options for the consolidation of governmental services in Schenectady County.

Children at Risk

Collaborate with other organizations to identify the needs of girls in Schenectady County, facilitate programs on their behalf, and educate the community about their needs and challenges.

Local Education

Monitor local initiatives related to schools and financing education.

Environmental Issues

Support the protection of environmental resources, land, water, and air in Schenectady County:

Advocate for the protection of water resources in the County.

Promote understanding of global climate change and support efforts to mitigate its effects.

Support energy conservation and development oaf renewable energy alternatives.

Study solid waste management in the County.

Support the four League position on solid waste management.

Health Services

Support and advocate for national/state/local health care reform that provides quality physical and mental health care for all citizens.

Educate our membership and others about long term care standards and develop recommendations for local options.

Encourage and support county- wide comprehensive health care planning.